Circuit Digest’s LiteWing is a low-cost DIY drone controlled by an ESP32 module, based on a custom PCB and off-the-shelf parts that costs around 1000 Rupees to make, or $12 at today’s exchange rate.
The DIY ESP32 drone was designed as a low-cost alternative to more expensive DIY drones that typically cost close to $70. The result is a WiFi drone that fits in the palm and controlled over WiFi using a smartphone. Interestingly it does not include any 3D printed parts as the PCB forms the chassis of the device.
DIY ESP32 drone key features and components
- Wireless module – ESP32-WROOM-32 for WiFi control using a smartphone.
- Storage – MicroSD card slot
- Sensors – MPU6050 IMU for stability control.
- Propulsion
- 4x 720 coreless motors
- 2x 55mm propeller type A(CW)
- 2x 55mm propeller type B(CCW)
- USB – 1x USB-C port for charging and programming (via CP2102N)
- Power Management
- 1300mAh Li-Ion battery
- TP4056 Li-ion charger IC
- Custom “all-in-one” PCB that doesn’t require any 3D-printed parts
- Dimensions – It’s complicated (see photo below).
The hardware design files (PDF schematics + BoM + Gerber files) and the firmware’s code based on Espressif’s ESP-Drone implementation can be found on GitHub. The drone is designed to be controlled by a smartphone running the open-source Android or iOS app developed by Espressif and based on forks of the mobile apps for the Crazyflie open-source nanocopter.
More details can be found in the announcement, and you can watch the drone in action in the video embedded below, and learn more about the schematics and challenges encountered during the project.
While you could make it yourself for about $12, Circuit Digest has now launched a Kickstarter campaign offering the LiteWing as a $50 kit with essential components (extra the battery) and access to a detailed video tutorial and a fully assembled kit drone for $60 ready to fly out of the box after you’ve connected your own LiPo battery. Shipping adds $2 to India and $20 to the rest of the world and deliveries are expected to start in November right after the campaign ends. The crowdfunding campaign’s success is currently limited probably because you can find similar ESP32 drones on Aliexpress for about $40 shipped…
Via Hackster.io
Update: The article about the project was initially published on April 2, 2024, and updated following the launch on Kickstarter under the name LiteWing
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
This is really excellent! I like it when people come up with smart ideas like this where a PCB and a bunch of components end up as a flying device 🙂
Fr4 is a fantastic material that can be used very versatile and unconventional. Here it holds a panel in a window for a cat flap instead of the original glazing. Not very innovative but perfect for the purpose
on aliexpress it’s around 60 USD plus shipping:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005695006370.html
I see $39 without battery with that link.
The PCB or fully-assembled PCBA can be ordered on PCBWay:
https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/Low_Cost_Drone_using_ESP32_30d00350.html
Yeah I show $34 shipped for 5x completed units, that doesn’t seem right.
It is not. The 34$ is for PCB and PCBA on PCBWay. The cost of the components and their procurement will be added later.
Correct, for 5x completed it’s $189.86
Hi there,
what about the PCB board dimensions?… i know whole length and breadth is 100mmx100mm. but can you please mention the other dimensions as well
ESPHome support?
How can I acquire this kit
The link is at the end of the article.